Arm Defense
Not on view
Pierced iron arm defenses such as this appear to be a previously unrecognized type. However, its scalloped borders relate closely to the borders on Tibetan or Mongolian arm defenses made of polchromed leather with iron fittings (see acc. no. 2001.36). In addition, its broadly pierced scrollwork is extremely similar to that found on some Tibetan or Mongolian horse armor. The presence of these two features indicates a close relationship between this little known form of arm defense and the broader spectrum of Tibetan and Mongolian armor of the 16th to 17th centuries.
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